Writing advice, publication opportunities, and thoughts on books, language, and life from Donna Volkenannt, winner of the Erma Bombeck Humor Award. Donna believes great stories begin in a writer's imagination and touch a reader's heart.

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Have you ever wanted to be published in a professional, theme-driven anthology?Have you ever wanted to win a big prize for your writing?Here's a chance to do both.How? AKA Publishing and Compass Flower Press are actively seeking submissions for their Uncertain Promise anthology contest, and they have extended the deadline until June 9.What are the editors looking for in submissions? Fiction and Creative non-fiction, but not poetry. How big are the prizes?First place is $1,000; Second place is $500; and third place is $200.What is the word limit? 3,000 words.What does the theme Uncertain Promise mean?Here are some examples from the AKA website: an unexpected outcome (joy, satisfaction, renewal, despair, emotional growth, etc.) from an otherwise routine or mundane circumstance. The uncertain promise might be an unspoken commitment from a friend or lover falls through due to misunderstanding or unforeseen happening, a career failure or future crashes--or ascends--depending on the outcome of a single event. These are some of the editor's ideas, but writers are welcome to use their imaginations and interpret the theme broadly. May I submit something that's already been published? No. Unpublished submissions only.How about simultaneous submissions? Yes, but please note that on the entry form and give immediate notification if your entry is accepted elsewhere.How are the entries judged?Fiction and creative nonfiction submissions are read and evaluated anonymously by two editorial boards. Submission does not guarantee acceptance; acceptances that make the final cut are forwarded to independent judges for possible award of cash prizes. Each published contributor receives one free copy of the anthology.How much does it cost to enter? Non-refundable entry fees ($US) for each category are $18 for electronic submission (paid on website) or $15 for mailed submission (paid by check or on website.) Compass Flower Press and AKA-Publishing are imprints of the independent and self-supporting publisher, AKA:yola, LLC.How many times may I enter? No limit on submissions, but each entry requires a separate entry fee.Where is AKA Publishing located?315 Bernadette Drive, Ste 3; Columbia, Missouri 65203Where can I find more details? Visit the AKA websitefor complete details and entry instructions.Who can I contact for more information? E-mail: compassflowerpress@gmail.com OR click through the contact email on the website (be sure to note “Anthology Submission” in the subject line.)What else do I need to know?All submissions—both snail mail and e-mail—will be notified via e-mail upon receipt.Prize winners and entries selected for publication will be posted on CompassFlowerPress.com.Note: As a board member of AKA Publishing, I get to help spread the word about this opportunity to fellow writers.

12 comments:

Thanks for this, Donna. Nothing jumps into my mind, but I will think on it. I have bias against paying bigger money (yes, $15 is bigger to me, :) but sometimes when I have something I really believe in, I do it. Try to limit fees to $5 but I suppose like gasoline and limes, the times call for more money!!!!

Hi Claudia,I understand what you mean about the cost of contest fees. Two years ago I almost didn't enter the Erma Bombeck contest because the entry fee was $15, but I did it because I believed in my essay and it paid off in huge dividends.

Thanks for the info and links, Donna. Like Claudia I don't usually go over the $10 mark on contests unless the prizes are worthwhile. C. Hope Clark says the contest fee should be no more than 5% of the first prize, and in this case that $15 is only about 1.5% so it looks like a winner. (Is my math right? I think so but, uhm, math isn't my strong suit.) Anyway, great prizes on this one. Thanks again!

Wish I was one of those writers that could snap out a perfect essay on demand. I agonize over every word and comma, so it takes me forever to polish a piece. Since I'm toiling over something else now, I won't have time to give this one a whirl. Guess I'd never make it as a weekly columnist! : )

"Time Will Tell" in Mysteries of the Ozarks, Vol V, from Ozark Writers Inc.

Some Favorite Quotes

"Grace changes us and change is painful."Flannery O'Connor***"Seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand."Saint Augustine**"The two most important days in your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why."Mark Twain**"Life moves pretty fast. You don't stop and look around once and a while you could miss it."Ferris Bueller

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